Melissa Viggato Price
Melissa Viggato Price is a distinguished Quality Assurance Manager with a strong record of advancing product excellence and operational integrity within the consumer goods industry. Currently serving at The Goodkind Co, a Certified B-Corp, she leads cross-functional teams in developing, implementing, and optimizing quality systems that uphold the company’s mission of delivering high-performing, ethically produced products. Her leadership is grounded in nearly a decade of technical experience as a Plant Chemist, paired with her progressive growth through roles in document control, supervision, and now upper-level quality management.
Melissa’s professional foundation blends deep scientific expertise with strategic business insight. Prior to joining The Goodkind Co, she spent over eight years as a Plant Chemist at Pure & Gentle, Inc., where she honed her skills in research, general chemistry, and production processes. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Mathematics from Texas Lutheran University and a Master of Business Administration from Schreiner University, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA. This multidisciplinary training supports her strengths in inventory control, auditing, regulatory compliance, and team leadership.
Recognized for her commitment to excellence, Melissa has been honored with a Q2 MVP award, reflecting her consistent impact and dedication. She is known for fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement while championing high-quality standards that align with sustainable and socially responsible practices. With a passion for developing people and processes, Melissa continues to elevate quality operations and contribute meaningfully to the long-term success of mission-driven organizations.
• Schreiner University - MBA
• Texas Lutheran University - BS
• Q2 MVP
• Make-A-Wish Foundation
• My church’s Backpacking program
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to curiosity, discipline, and a genuine commitment to understanding the purpose behind my work. My career began with a chemistry degree from Texas Lutheran University and a minor in mathematics, which shaped the way I approach problem solving. An internship at Pure and Gentle Soap introduced me to formulation science and how chemistry comes to life in everyday products. Over time, I gravitated toward regulations, compliance, and quality assurance, discovering a passion for the rigor and responsibility that come with protecting consumers. This path led me into ISO certification, internal auditing, and cross departmental compliance work, eventually preparing me for my current role in the cosmetic industry. Since the implementation of MOCRA in 2022, the field has evolved significantly, and I take pride in contributing to higher standards, greater transparency, and consistent product quality. One of my proudest achievements was seeing a product I helped develop earn an Allure Beauty Award, a meaningful milestone in my journey.
My success is also rooted in continuous learning and personal resilience. Pursuing further studies in business administration and quality management strengthened my ability to think strategically about operations and sustainability. Working at a B Corp certified company reinforced my belief that business can be both ethical and high performing. The LinkedIn photo I chose reflects a defining moment in my life, when I was working full time, earning my master’s degree, and raising my child. That image reminds me that resilience, balance, and steady forward momentum have shaped not only my career, but the person I have become.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to learn from people who believed in developing others as much as themselves. Some guided me through the technical complexities of chemistry and manufacturing, while others modeled leadership grounded in integrity, empathy, and accountability. My earliest mentors, Dr. Alison Bray and Bill Davis, taught me not just how to create a product but how to understand its purpose. Later in my career, leaders in quality assurance and business management helped me navigate compliance, regulatory changes, and the balance between consumer trust and operational demands.
What I appreciate most about my mentors is that they challenged me. They didn’t simply hand me answers; they encouraged me to explore, question, and push beyond what I thought I could do. Their influence helped shape both my confidence and my voice, ultimately guiding the professional I’ve become today.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stay committed to your path and make each day meaningful. Consistency is where real progress is built, and those moments become the milestones you look back on.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field stem from the constant evolution of regulations and industry standards. I remain committed to staying ahead of these changes by continuously monitoring updates, adapting processes, and ensuring full compliance. While this requires diligence and agility, it also offers the opportunity to elevate quality, strengthen operational excellence, and position my organization at the forefront of best practices.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
If I had to define my values, they would be honesty, integrity, and staying educated. The cosmetic industry moves quickly, and I believe true leadership comes from a willingness to continually learn and adapt. Outside of work, service remains central to who I am. My involvement with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, my church’s backpacking program, and other community efforts remind me that leadership isn't just about professional milestones—it’s about giving back, uplifting others, and staying grounded in gratitude.